8. Sudden Weight Gain: The Scales Tipping Towards Fluid Overload
Another symptom of myocarditis that might initially seem unrelated is sudden weight gain. The body’s weight can fluctuate for various reasons, and these changes are often tied to diet, physical activity, or hormonal changes. However, in the context of myocarditis, a sudden and unexplained increase in weight can be a subtle yet significant indicator of the body’s compromised fluid management.
Let’s delve deeper into why myocarditis could cause sudden weight gain. The heart’s compromised pumping ability, as discussed previously, leads to fluid accumulation in the body’s tissues.
But that’s not the only mechanism at play. The kidneys, sensing a reduced flow of blood (a consequence of the heart’s diminished pumping capacity), may start retaining fluid as a compensatory mechanism. They are, after all, tasked with regulating the body’s fluid balance and will attempt to retain fluid when they perceive a shortage.
However, this retention of fluid, while serving as a compensatory mechanism, inadvertently contributes to fluid overload. It leads to an increase in the body’s overall fluid volume, which is reflected as an increase in body weight. This weight gain is not linked to an increased calorie intake or decreased physical activity but is a consequence of the body’s internal fluid dynamics going awry.
It’s important to understand that this sudden weight gain can be easily overlooked or attributed to other causes. After all, the scales don’t differentiate between weight gain due to increased fat, muscle, or fluid. But in the setting of myocarditis, a sudden increase in weight should raise a red flag and prompt further investigation. (8)
